Conservation Commission

Mission Statement



To identify and protect Hartford’s natural resources, to educate our community about natural heritage, and to foster local environmental stewardship.

The Hartford Conservation Commission was established in 1990.  It's charge is to:

  • Acquire and protect valuable wildlife habitat, scenic view shed and watershed areas.
  • Develop an inventory of natural resources throughout Hartford.
  • Educate and increase awareness of conservation and recreation goals and impacts.
  • Encourage recreational uses consistent with the preservation of the natural beauty that exists within our town.
  • Maintain and preserve natural areas.

Members

Thomas Kahl, Chair Jonathan Bouton, Treasurer
Angela Emerson Katie Mann, Vice Chair
Mary Hutchins

Ted Levin
 Lee Michaelides
​
 
Mary Erdei - Selectboard Liaison

Meetings


​​Town Forest Recreation Management Plan 

In 2021, the Hartford Conservation Commission updated the Recreational Management Plan for the Hartford Town Forest. 
 
 If you havequestions about the Recreation Management Plan, please contact Matt Osborn at mosborn@hartford-vt.org or (802)478-1118.

See here for Town Forest Trails Map   



See here for trails map of the Town Forest & Hurricane Forest Wildlife Refuge

Town Forest Resource Assessment & Forest Management Plan

During 2019 and 2020, The Conservation Commission worked with County Forester A.J. Follensbee on an update of the Town Forest Resource Assessment and Forest Management Plan (TFRA & FMP).

On November 2, 2020, the Hartford Selectboard adopted the plan.

In addition, a remote community meeting on the update of the Forest Management Plan for the Hartford Town Forest was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. See video below.

  • Adopted Town Forest Resource Assessment/Forest Management Plan (See attached) (See attached) 
  • Timber Harvest Update, May 5, 2022 (See here)
  • Town Forest Management & 2023 Selective Cut Summary (See here)
  • Three-page Summary (See here)
  • Forest Stands Map (See here)
  • Potential Timber Harvest 2023 (See here)

On January 31, 2022, the Conservation Commission hosted a community meeting on the planned 2023 Timber Harvest.  The following is a link to the meeting.  If you wish to view the meeting minutes from the January 31, 2022 meeting you can locate them here.

On May 5, 2022, the Conservation Commission hosted an informational walk with County Forester A.J. Follensbee regarding the planned Winter 2023 Town Forest Timber Harvest.  To view the minutes, you can locate them here. 

The following is a link to a series of videos that County Forester A.J. Follensbee has put together on forest management and the planned winter 2022/2023 timber harvest. 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvBiL0iDmi_rOuCIPLFpD2w/playlists

If you wish to correspond with Members by mail please address to 171 Bridge Street, White River Junction, VT 05001.  To leave a message please call 802-295-3075.

Interested in getting involved???

If you are interested in getting involved with the Conservation Commission or have questions about their work, contact Matt Osborn at mosborn@hartford-vt.org

To view more information regarding the Hartford Conservation Commission, please visit us at https://www.hartford-vt.org/2227/Conservation